Crime in Chicago is Up—and That’s Sending Many to the Suburbs ​

An increase in crime rates is making the Chicago suburbs an even more appealing—and safer—option

If there’s one thing we’ve discovered in working with countless Chicago-area families it’s this: no two are ever the same. Sure, every parent wants A+ schools for their kids, but “A+ schools” means something different from family to family. And, likewise, people want access, opportunities and plenty of activities—but, again, each of those must-haves looks pretty different from family to family.

That said, though, there’s one thing moms and dads don’t waiver on: safety. Parents consistently rank their kids’ safety as their number one concern. Not surprisingly, a host of crime- and safety-related fears account for eight of the 10 “big problems” parents worry about nationwide—think bullying, internet safety, gun violence and school violence, among other hot buttons. And, in that vein, it’s not surprising that more and more Chicago families are heading to the suburbs—the most recent census data indicates Chicago is losing more residents than any other city in the U.S.

Violent crime in Chicago continues to rise. Between 2015 and 2016, shooting victims rose by 46%, and homicides were up 57%—levels the city and the country haven’t seen in more than two decades. The city alone accounted for 22% of the country’s homicide increases—more than New York City and LA combined.

On the heels of these recent increases, more and more families are packing up and heading to the suburbs. Last year alone, Cook County saw a 21,300 resident drop, more than any other county. Just outside of city limits, though, two popular Chicago suburbs—Lake in the Hills in the northwest and western suburb Bartlett—were named the seventh and ninths safest spots in America, respectively. Bartlett had 90% less crime than most U.S. cities. Crimes were even lower for Lake in the Hills, which reported by 19 violent crimes in 2017.

It’s a stark contrast to what’s happening in the city, and a big reason so many families are finally opting to make the move from urban to suburban. For many, it was a long time coming—they wanted the suburban schools, the big backyards, the space and the overall experience of raising their kids in suburbia. Seeing these increases in crime and citywide violence, though, was the tipping point, though—and judging from the latest numbers, we’re expecting to see more and more families make the leap in the New Year.

Suburban Jungle is an award-winning firm that specializes in moving families from urban to suburban. The company’s innovative “town first” approach helps buyers find the right suburb for their family based on personality and lifestyle, not just the house. Services are FREE and fully customized to each family and their unique journey. To learn more and to connect with a Suburbs Strategist, and find the place your family truly fits in visit www.suburbanjunglerealty.com and click GET STARTED.